Threatened Abortion

Definition

Threatened abortion is a diagnosis that is made during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. While some women have vaginal bleeding in the first 3 months of pregnancy, bleeding and symptoms that could suggest an increased risk of
miscarriage
are called threatened abortion.

Causes

Early-pregnancy bleeding can originate from the uterus, cervix, vagina, or the external genital area.

In many cases, the cause of the bleeding is due to a minor condition that requires no treatment. If you have
any
vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy, especially if you also have abdominal pain, you should contact your doctor.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Many cases of threatened abortion require no treatment at all. In other cases, treatment options include:

Bed Rest

If you are bleeding heavily, your doctor may recommend bed rest. This has not shown to be beneficial, though. Your doctor may also want you to limit your activities.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe progesterone. This is a female hormone that supports a pregnancy.

If your blood is
Rh-negative
and your partner's blood is Rh-positive, your doctor will give you an injection of Rho immune globulin. This will prevent your body from producing antibodies against your fetus' blood.

Prevention

While there is no clear way to prevent threatened abortion, to increase your chance of a healthy pregnancy:

Get regular prenatal care.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Limit caffeine intake.

Control any long-term conditions that you may have, such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder.

Talk to your doctor before taking any medication. Some medications can be harmful to your baby.

Avoid contact with toxins.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Bleeding during pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq038.pdf?dmc=1&amp;ts=20120814T1300076311. Updated August 2011. Accessed October 8, 2015.